20.02.2015 17:59 h

Austria striker Hosiner has kidney removed

Austrian international striker Philipp Hosiner, of French Ligue 1 club Rennes, revealed on Friday that he has had his left kidney removed after a tumour was detected during a medical.

The 25-year-old had been set to join German Bundesliga club FC Cologne on loan last month but failed a medical when the problem was spotted.

"I returned to Austria and I had an operation last week," the player said. "Everything went well but my left kidney had to be completely removed.

"As my other kidney is perfectly healthy, it will have no effect on my footballing career. I will be back in a few months."

Hosiner was the leading scorer with Austria Vienna in 2013 as they won the Austrian title but he has struggled to make an impression since joining Rennes last summer.